"I forgot to mention figs as another "whole systems" crop."
sry, lost me here... in what sense did you mean?
enjoying a great discussion here,
frances
And I always enjoy your input, Frances and David.
I added figs to the list of edible crops that could be grown in
an aquaponic and hydroponic system, fully integrated within a "whole
systems" design.
For a PDC instructor a fun and educational group exercise might involve
group brainstorming on aquaponics and even competition amongst
participants for best integrated aquaponic/hydroponic/aquaculture
designs. If such a system could be built on a local site and profit
generated from the enterprise then part of money earned could be used to
pay PDC teachers for further course work, on an ongoing basis with the
courses configured by the students and instructor based on what they
need to improve on what they have and create new systems and projects.
Just another way for a group to work together to further their knowledgs
and experience by generating income to pay for continuing PDC's. Of
course, document all this in detail in websites, discussion groops,
document archives and blogs. Needless to say, Google offers all this and
more; forgot to add Google+ and Google Drive. All of it is free and
noone has an excuse not to use these excellent resources. This list (and
all my other lists) uses them full tilt.